Microsoft has officially raised the retail price of its current-generation gaming consoles. The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S are now more expensive, with increases reaching up to $150 depending on the specific model and region.
Price increases across the board
The price adjustment affects both the high-performance Xbox Series X and the budget-friendly Xbox Series S. While exact figures vary by market, the maximum increase reported is $150. This move aligns with broader trends in the consumer electronics sector where manufacturing costs and supply chain adjustments often lead to higher sticker prices for end users.
For gamers looking to upgrade or purchase their first Xbox, this means the entry point for next-gen gaming has become significantly higher than it was just months ago. The standard 1TB Xbox Series X and the base Xbox Series S are no longer available at their previous promotional or launch pricing tiers in many regions.
The 2TB Xbox Series X is discontinued
In addition to the price hikes, Microsoft has removed the 2TB storage variant of the Xbox Series X from its lineup. This specific model was previously marketed toward enthusiasts who wanted maximum local storage for games without relying heavily on external drives or cloud saves.
With the discontinuation of the 2TB option, consumers are left with fewer high-capacity choices directly from Microsoft. Those requiring more than 1TB of internal storage will likely need to look toward third-party expansion cards or external USB hard drives to meet their library needs.
What this means for you
If you have been waiting on the sidelines for a price drop, this news suggests that window may be closing. The combination of higher base prices and reduced storage options limits the value proposition for new buyers. Existing owners need not worry, as these changes only apply to new hardware purchases.
For IT professionals managing gaming setups in corporate or educational environments, budget planning for new devices will need to account for this 15% to 20% increase in hardware costs. The removal of the 2TB SKU also simplifies inventory but reduces flexibility for power users.
Source: Neowin
Over to you: Will you still buy an Xbox at the new higher price point, or wait for the next generation?
